The Lord’s Goodness and Mercy
By Sarah E. L. Pierce
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Though I have never contributed anything to the Conference Department of our dear REVIEW, I have not been uninterested in its contents. My heart has often been cheered while reading of the goodness of the Lord to his trusting children, and his special care for those who are alone. A few weeks ago I took up the REVIEW, when I had but a few minutes' spare time, thinking I would read the letters; but, alas! it contained none to read. I feel to say truly that the love and mercy of the Lord toward me has been very great. I do greatly desire to so appreciate and improve the blessings which he bestows upon me that I may bear the fruit of the Spirit, and at last receive the reward of everlasting life. I would break up the fallow-ground of my heart with the ploughshare of repentance, that the warnings and admonitions of the Lord through the Gifts of his Spirit, and by his servants, may not be lost upon me. It seems to me that the power of the enemy to benumb and stupefy the mind to a sense of important truth, was never so great as now. Hence the more need of constant watchfulness and prayer, lest we, like the first disciples of our Lord, sleep when it is most important that we watch, and thus, like Peter, be left to deny our Lord in times of trial. I never felt a more full assurance of the willingness of the Lord to help than at the present time. Truly he is waiting to be gracious. But how solemn the thought that if we do not help ourselves by perseveringly seeking unto the Lord, we shall be left to our own ways. The most of the time since my connection with the Advent people (which has been from childhood), I have known by experience how to sympathize with the lonely ones, and those afflicted and tried with peculiar trials. The Lord proves us in various ways, and I have felt of late, that as in time past he has proved me in the furnace of sorrow and adversity, he is now proving me with blessings and privileges, which will prove a savor either of life unto life or of death unto death. I am now situated where I can meet with quite a large number of those of like precious faith three times a week, to worship the Lord and enjoy their society at any time. The Lord help me to improve these blessings, and help us each, dear brethren and sisters, to endure the trial of our faith, come forth as gold, and so be fitted for a home in his heavenly kingdom. Your sister in hope,
SARAH E. L. PIERCE.
Franklin Co., Vt.